Lifestyle

Receipt envelope// I am borderline obsessed with these. I have a good stack of them going, but I’m not kidding, they come in handy in so many circumstances! I use one in my glovebox to keep my registration and proof of insurance (as well as a checklist of what to do when you get in an accident), I keep one in my purse to keep all of my important receipts, and I have another I use just for coupons which I keep clipped on my car’s sun visor. The options are endless, but I would definitely keep one in your planner for any important papers. I like the clear one so I can see what contents it’s holding, but there are a bunch of colors to choose from. Also, did I mention they cost just over a buck?! Don’t let the price fool you, they hold up super well, assuming you don’t overstuff them (I’ve had mine for years).

Pencil pouch// I love these pencil/pen pouches because they are wipeable if any ink spills, and they can hold so much. They are also super fantastic for make up or as wet bags. Super durable, affordable, and come in three different sizes.

Planner page markers// The planner I chose didn’t come with any tabs to mark my spot, so I picked these Magnolia ones up from Target, and they’ve been put to good use–plus they match the gold etched on the planner’s cover.

Sticky notes// I don’t feel like these need an explanation. These are a must when it comes to planning, also great to use on your wall calendar for events that may get moved around.

2018 Planner// I found this planner at Target, and I couldn’t find the hard bound one I have, but this is the exact replica of it, just spiral bound. I paid around $10 for it, and so far it’s been perfect. I like the simple look of the cover as well.

Adhesive pen loop// I also added this to my planner to keep a pen attached to it for when I’m on the go.

Productivity planner// This is such a good resource to use alongside your planner. It helps you to prioritize your goals in a straightforward way while using the pomodoro method.

Moleskine notebook// I keep this in my purse at all times–for any ideas that may strike, lists that need to be made, for my little ones to doodle in when I need to keep them busy in a pinch, and the list goes on. I’m a fan of the classic red one.

Business card holder// Always keep your cards on you! You never know who you’re going to run into when you are out and about.

Wall calendar// Everything at-a-glance. We have a wall calendar hung in our home’s “command center,” where we keep our vision boards and our family calendar. Everything everyone has going on goes on the calendar. No exceptions. This way there are no surprises, everything is in plain site, and everyone stays on schedule. We even write down when Luca has school or Miles or I work, even though they are recurring events, but putting everything down, keeps everyone on the same page. It’s been super helpful for our family. I will note that I still put reminders in my phone for important things like doctors appointments and one-off events just to keep my head in the game.

As you’ve read previously, my word of the year is “wellness,” and part of personal wellness for me is cleansing my paperwork, my workspace, and keeping up a neat & punctual schedule. These are some of my favorites to keep a productive flow, and I hope they’ll help you find yours as well! What is your favorite agenda or planner? I always feel so torn when I’m on the hunt for one. I’ve spent a lot of money on planners in the past only to use maybe 20% of it. So simple (and inexpensive!) it is! Cheers to all the fun things I’m planning for this year, I can’t wait to share them with all of you!

I remember January 1st of last year thinking it would be a big year of “change.” It was an instinctual feeling I can’t really explain, but I just knew change was a comin.’ I didn’t know what type of change, thinking it would be a circumstantial change, career-wise and financially speaking. However, I never realized it would none of those things, but rather be a year of internal change, metaphorically speaking. 2017 was a huge year of learning, and owning up to previous mistakes. It was a year of self-care and relationship-care. 2017 brought its fair share of joys, but proved itself extremely difficult in my marriage as I shared a few weeks back. With Miles and I choosing each other all over again, 2018 feels pretty promising already. I look forward to sharing more about us in the coming year. P.S. Your kind responses and supportive words meant everything to me! Here’s a mini recap of last year:

January: Finally got around to making thisvideo of our trip to Italy and France.Continued working at getting back into my old pre-pregnancy jeans, and started taking better care of myself. Remodeled the blog to the way it looks now! And spent a lot of time outdoors as our apartment was sooo tiny!

February: Miles and I celebrated sharing 4 years of marriage together. Luca started playing soccer! Put up my first make up you tube video.Harlow was officially on earth for as long as he was inside of me. Also contemplated another baby as well as what only having two meant for us.

March: Decided we wouldn’t renew our lease in May. Started looking for places to move to…again.

December: Wrapped up the year, wrapped all the presents, and had a wonderful holiday with all those I love.

Last year, I focused on simplifying my life. Overall, I feel like I definitely simplified a lot of what I tend to get enthralled in. It was a huge practice, and I cut back on so much excess I thought I “needed,” but, in reality, didn’t. This year my word is “wellness.” I feel like there is so much internal wellness for me to focus on, both mind and body. I want to monitor more of what I put in and on my body as well as focus a bit more on the thoughts I let flood my mind. Sometimes I’m so concentrated on the external of everything that happens around me, my circumstances, and things out of my control, that I forget those things I do have control over– Things like self talk, diet, exercise, meditation, and spirituality. My wellness journey is always a work in progress, so being hyper focused on it will definitely help highlight it as a priority in my life. What is your word for 2018? You’re welcome to take mine or come up with your own, but just remember the why behind what word you decide on. The WHY is everything.

Things you can expect over here in 2018!:

More personal posts: I found such a relief and support in my marriage post. It definitely encouraged me to post more about things I sometimes think twice about before publishing.

Location: GRANNY'S HOUSE

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company.The opinions and text are all mine. I’m partnering with Folgers® at Walmart through the Share A Cup & A Story campaign, to celebrate new and old holiday traditions.

It’s been 9 long years. Nearly 9 years since I last saw my mama. There isn’t a day that passes, nor has passed that I don’t think about her. I’ve never really talked about it openly in this space, only touching on it here and there, speaking of it casually, because anything more in depth is just too hard for me, even after 9 years. With her 9th anniversary fast approaching, I think I might actually be ready to share her story with you, share my story of her, but for now, I’ll say only this…It isn’t just the glorification of having passed away, but she was the most pivotal role model I ever did have, and every day I miss that. Luckily for me, I have my grandmother, or “Granny,” as everyone knows her. Granny is an angel on earth. If it weren’t for her and the female void she’s made such a beautiful effort to fill over the years, I’m not quite sure where I’d be as a woman, a mother, a human being. When I published my first book, it was devoted to her, for so many reasons. I find comfort in her, a contagious love, and a nearly overbearing sense of home.

I love a good plaid during the holidays, and if you know me, you know my love for monograms, so these mugs made me so excited! Perfect as a friendsgiving favor/gift right? I also really love and will have to purchase this tartan mug for Christmas time.

I’m so excited for the launch of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ line with Target! I loved everything that Joanna came out with for Pier 1, but it was so expensive, so I’m hoping the Target line will be more affordable! The line launches November 5th, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Location: Home

Happy Halloween Eve everyone! I know I’m late to the party, and I’ve been promising a home tour for quite some time now, but I finally got around to it! I sincerely love Halloween decorations and our new little space wears them well! I’ll definitely be sad to take them down in a few days…I do love decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas too though, so at least it’s not like the day after Christmas where everything comes down and all of a sudden my house looks barren! I linked everything I could think of below, but if you have any other questions, just ask! More rooms to come soon, what would you like to see next?! Read more

Location: HALLOWEENTOWN

Okay, so I skipped September, but I really loved doing the ledger in August so I’m back at it again! It was especially fun to look back on it mid month and see all that I actually did + accomplished from the list I compiled! Here’s October for ya!

October 1 Pull out and put up your Halloween decor! I’ll be doing a mini fall home tour soon!

October 2 Start lighting all the fall candles! This year, these are my favorites: this one, this one, and this one. P.S. The Capri Blue candle will definitely burn the longest and give you the most scent/sq. footage, but if you are on a budget, I’ve been burning the Target one and have been really impressed! I linked the Diptyque one, and yes it is a splurge, but I have found these to be the best quality candles of all time–they may be little, but they pack a big punch, kinda like myself, ha!

October 3 Hang a halloween felt garland. We bought ours from this Etsy shop.

October 7 Read some Halloween books with the babies, I have a post of our favorites coming to you soon!

October 8 Attend a Concert! We are going to see Coldplay downtown this month, and I cannot wait. I’ve been wanting to see them ever since I can remember! Every time I attend a concert I always think, I’m definitely going to make an effort to attend more concerts, but then life happens, so I’m really excited to have actually planned this one out so far in advance! I think I bought the tickets in May?

October 9 This may seem so 7th grade, but I actually really like American Eagle lately! I think they are making a comeback?! If nothing else, definitely get yourself a few pairs of lounge socks from there, they have the very best. I’m going to get festive with these orange ones.

About Me

Hi, I'm Chelsie

Welcome to my tiny abode within the worldwide web. This blog is a small celebration of everyday life in words + pretty photos (messes and mistakes included!) So, have a seat, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, put your feet up, and stay a while because I'm so happy to have you!